Wallace Group and Sport In Action Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sport in Zambia

This week, the Wallace Group and Sport In Action will commemorate two decades of impactful partnership through the Twentieth Anniversary Gala (TAG), a three-day celebration held in Lusaka. This milestone event honours 20 years of collaboration dedicated to advancing sport and community development across Zambia.

Since 2005, the partnership has played a vital role in shaping Zambia’s national sports strategy, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement, gender equality, and sustainable community participation. The Twentieth Anniversary Gala serves not only as a reflection on past achievements but also as a reaffirmation of a shared vision for the future.

TAG brings together a distinguished group of stakeholders from both Zambia and the United Kingdom. Among those in attendance are representatives from the Zambian Government, the National Sports Council of Zambia, the Zambian Olympic Committee, the British High Commission, World Netball, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia. Their presence underscores the global and local significance of this enduring partnership.

As part of the celebrations, two large-scale Sport and Sport for Development Festivals will take place on 4 and 5 August. These events will engage over 1,100 young people from Lusaka, Kafue, Mazabuka, Choma, and Livingstone. With more than 60 percent female participation, the festivals will feature competitive sports tournaments alongside life skills education sessions focused on gender-based violence, equality, and social inclusion.

The Gala also marks the launch of two new partnerships:

• World Netball Partnership: Since 2017, the number of hub-sites in Zambia has grown from 5 to 49, supporting over 263 teams, 350 coaches (53% of whom are women), and more than 16,000 participants. Building on a partnership with World Netball that began with the 2019 Netball World Cup legacy project, Zambia’s successful community sport hub-site model is now being introduced to neighbouring countries.
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia and Sport In Action have joined forces to empower young people through self-directed learning, sports, and community service. Operating in six locations across three provinces, and expanding into the Copperbelt, the program has achieved a 93% completion rate in its first cohort, exceeding the global average by over 20%. TAG will feature a special ceremony to honour Bronze and Silver Award participants and the mentors who have guided their journeys.

The Wallace Group and Sport In Action extend their heartfelt thanks to global sportswear brand Macron, whose generous sponsorship has made the Twentieth Anniversary Gala possible.

TAG Event Schedule

Monday, August 4

• 10:00–15:00: Hub-site event and tournament in Choma, featuring Duke of Edinburgh Award and enterprise displays

Tuesday, August 5

• 09:00–13:00: Official opening ceremony with speeches and project showcases
• 09:00–17:00: High-capacity hub-site tournament celebrating World Netball Partnership
• 19:00–21:00: Signing ceremony for Duke of Edinburgh Zambia and World Netball Partnership, followed by awards celebration

Wednesday, August 6

• 08:30–12:00: Tour of Sport In Action hub-sites to witness community impact
• 14:00–16:00: Chevening Scholarship and Higher Education collaboration meeting
• 14:00–16:00: Strategic meeting between Macron and national sports federations